Newport, Rhode Island: Top Things to Do in 2025

Newport, Rhode Island, is a magical New England gem filled with history, beauty, sailing, immaculate fresh seafood, and luxurious coastal charm. Newport is a wonderful place to spend the day, weekend, week, or summer. At the end of this post, some of the most significant special events in Newport are listed for the 2025 season that you won’t want to miss. 

I had the pleasure of spending a summer in Newport and say with conviction that there is no place better than coastal New England in the summer. 

Where Is Newport, Exactly?

Newport is located on Aquidneck Island in Rhode Island. It’s most easily accessible by car via bridge or by boat/ferry/cruise ship.

Nearby Cities and Their Distance to Newport:

• Providence, RI: 35 miles
• Boston, MA: 70 miles
• New York City, NY: 175 miles
• Philadelphia, PA: 275 miles

When Is The Best Time To Visit Newport, Rhode Island?

The summer season in Newport runs primarily from June through early September. During this time, festivals, polo matches, and sailing races also happen. As you can imagine, Newport gets extremely busy during this time, and parking and reservations can be challenging. It is a beautiful and fun time of the year to visit.

The fall season is beautiful, and the foliage colors change. It is a popular time for cruise ships to visit Newport. 

If you want to beat the crowd, I recommend visiting in May (before Memorial Day). The city is not yet crowded, and parking is slightly more manageable. 

Newport, Rhode Island: Things to Do

Newport is filled with coastal charm, history, and scenic nature. Here are some top things to do during your visit to Newport. At the end of this post, there’s a list of notable events in 2025; don’t miss those.

Walk The Cliff Walk

The Cliff Walk in Newport is a roughly 3-mile out-and-back paved trail connecting you with the beautiful Atlantic Ocean and many pristine Gilded Age mansions. When you walk through this trail, there’s the ocean on one side, and the other is the curated gardens and architectural delights of the Gilded Age.

The Cliff Walk extends to 7 miles (out and back) from the paved trail if you continue off-trail and walk over boulders and unpaved paths. Wear durable shoes if you plan to take the trail to the end.

Tour The Breakers & Other Gilded Age Mansions

The Gilded Age mansions showcase ornate architecture filled with grandeur and European influences. The Vanderbilt family’s Breakers Mansion, built in Newport, is a must-see for its beautiful design and for learning about the family’s history. 

More Newport Mansions:

• Rosecliff
• Marble House
• The Elms
• Château-sur-Mer
• Chepstow

Visit Fort Adams State Park

Fort Adams is the perfect place to visit to get into nature and escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Newport. It is a pet-friendly (on-leash) park with two miles of paved trails for walking and biking. 

You can also launch your kayak from the park, go paddling, or go for a sail with Sail Newport. 

There are also picnic tables, bathrooms, and free parking.

Stroll Around Bowen’s Wharf & Thames Street

Bowen’s Wharf and Thames Street comprise the walkable downtown area of Newport, which is located along the harbor. The views of the harbor are stunning, and the harbor is filled with endless sailboats.

Walking through the Colonial and Federalist-style maritime architecture, you will find many shops, galleries, restaurants, cafes, and bars.

There’s a little bit of everything from upscale art galleries to tourist souvenir stores.

Go For A Sail

Newport is known as the “sailing capital of the world.” Going for a sail or taking sailing lessons is a must-do in Newport, especially at sunset – the views of the harbor and sunset are divine. 

• Sail Newport is a great place to get started in sailing lessons or renting a boat. 
• Newport Classic Cruises is an excellent company for sunset cruises, sightseeing tours, and renting charter boats.

Enjoy The Newport, Rhode Island Beaches

Newport has a stunning coastline. Easton’s Beach (First Beach) and Sachuest Beach (Second Beach) are some of the top beaches in the area.

Eat Fresh Seafood & Other Local Dishes

Newport is known for its fresh New England seafood, including oysters, lobsters, little necks, and chowder. Newport has a culinary scene that highlights fresh seafood and local ingredients.

Suggestions on places to eat in Newport, Rhode Island:

• The Nitro Bar: For coffee and a light breakfast
• The Lawn at Castle Hill Inn: A MUST TRY for a luxurious dining experience on the water. Go at sunset and sit outside for a stunning view of the sunset.
• Del’s Lemonade: This iconic lemonade slush is a Rhode Island staple and a must-try in Newport. A Del’s hits the spot and is refreshing on a hot day. 
• The Mooring: Sits right on the waterfront of Bowen’s Wharf and offers indoor/outdoor seating and an elevated traditional New England-style menu. 
• Benjamin’s Raw Bar: Has all of your fresh raw bar and seafood delights
• The White Horse Tavern: Known as the “oldest opening restaurant in the US,” it is an institution in its history, architecture, and culinary delights. 
• Newport Creamery: For a delicious scoop of ice cream or their famous “Awful Awful” milkshakes. 
• The Landing: Located on the waterfront at Bowen’s Wharf, it offers an excellent view for a cocktail with live music. I recommend this more for an after-dinner spot to grab a drink.

Explore The International Tennis Hall of Fame

Newport is home to the first US Open. You can learn more about the history of tennis and its players at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. There are even interactive experiences where you can play tennis on grass courts. 

Newport, Rhode Island Special Events

In addition to what was mentioned above, Newport hosts some world-famous special events annually that celebrate music, food, and sailing. These events draw large crowds, local vendors, and a lot of fun.

• Newport Jazz Festival: August 1 through August 3, 2025
• Newport Folk Festival: July 25 – July 27, 2025
• Polo Matches: Held every Saturday in the summer from June 7 through September 27 for the 2025 season. 
• Bowen’s Wharf Oyster and Chowder Festival: May 17 & 18, 2025
• Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival: October 18 & 19, 2025
• Newport to Bermuda Race: Starts June 19, 2025
• Newport Regatta: July 12-13, 2025

Recap: Newport, Rhode Island: Things to Do

Newport, Rhode Island, is the quintessential summer destination to kick back, relax, and enjoy yourself. Its proximity to many East Coast cities makes it an excellent place for a day or weekend.